Scientists suggest it’s possible to influence how our brains age.

It has long been understood that our lifestyles contribute to maintaining our health as we age. Now, scientists are exploring whether new technology can also play a role in slowing down the brain’s aging process by monitoring its changes over time.

One morning, I visited 76-year-old Marijke and her husband Tom at their home in Loma Linda, located an hour east of Los Angeles. They served oatmeal, chia seeds, and berries—avoiding processed sugary cereal and coffee—a breakfast in line with Loma Linda’s health-focused ethos.

It’s widely recognized that our lifestyles can contribute to maintaining our health as we age. Now, scientists are exploring whether advancements in technology can also aid in slowing down the aging process of our brains by monitoring their changes over time.

Loma Linda is recognized as one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people tend to live longer lives. Here, it’s the Seventh-Day Adventist Church community that boasts exceptional longevity.

They typically abstain from alcohol and caffeine, follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, and view caring for their bodies as a religious duty. This lifestyle, known as their “health message,” has garnered attention, making Loma Linda a focal point of research into longevity.

Dr. Gary Fraser from the University of Loma Linda explained that members of the Seventh-Day Adventist community there not only live longer lives but also enjoy an extended “healthspan”—an additional four to five years for women and seven years for men in good health.

Although Marijke and Tom settled in Loma Linda later in life, they have fully integrated into the community.